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Reimagining Urban Space With Recycled Rubble and Community Gardens For Cultural Reflection

Author:
Abdul Rahman Samhouri
Reimagining Urban Space With Recycled Rubble and Community Gardens For Cultural Reflection

Project in-detail

Utilizing recycled rubble to create a dynamic pedestrian path adorned with community gardens, this redevelopment initiative in Al-Maarif fosters cultural reflection and social interaction through its thoughtful design and sustainable materials.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes an urban carpet made from locally sourced recycled rubble to connect various spaces.
02
Features a Museum of the Afterlife dedicated to exploring themes of existence and memory.
03
Incorporates community gardens to promote biodiversity and enhance social interaction.
04
Employs local stone in construction to maintain a connection to the region's architectural heritage.
05
Design emphasizes reflective zones for contemplation and cultural dialogue among residents.

### Project Overview

Located in Al-Maarif, Syria, the redevelopment project "Al-Maarif & Maara: Amidst the Epistle of Forgiveness" addresses the challenges of rebuilding a city profoundly impacted by conflict. Its intent is to harmonize urban design with sustainable architecture, facilitating both physical reconstruction and the emotional recovery of the community. The design draws inspiration from cultural and historical narratives, emphasizing themes of memory and reconciliation while seeking to rejuvenate the spirit of the inhabitants.

### Spatial Organization and Community Integration

The spatial arrangement consists of interconnected zones that serve distinct functions while promoting communal interaction. The "Paradise Zone" features a green oasis with public art installations that inspire reflection and tranquility. Adjacent is the "Jannah Section," designed as a social gathering space to strengthen community connections. The "Hasher Area" accommodates commemorative practices, reinforcing cultural identity, while the "Jahannam Reflection Space" serves as a contemplative area for discussions on the past and future. Each zone contributes to a cohesive experience of forgiveness and renewal.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

Material choices play a significant role in conveying the project's narrative of resilience. Pedestrian pathways are constructed using recycled rubble, emphasizing sustainability and recovery. Structural elements in glass and steel introduce a modern aesthetic, contrasting with the historical context, while local stone enhances the façades, linking contemporary design with traditional architecture. Additionally, green roofs are integrated to promote biodiversity and climate resilience, supporting a micro-ecosystem within the urban environment. These material selections collaboratively reflect both contemporary architectural language and the cultural heritage of Al-Maarif.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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